Passport and Visa Information FAQ
1. What is a passport?
A passport is government identification, necessary for international travel. US citizens may apply for passports at a US Passport agency located in major US cities, at county courthouses or at designated post offices.2. Where can I get a US passport and how do I apply?
Download an application at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html. Be sure to follow the directions very carefully.For a location near your home address, visit the US State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html and select "Where to Apply in the US" and fill out the DS-11 form. The current fee for an initial passport is $100.
3. I have a passport, but it has expired or will expire soon. What do I need to do?
Download an application at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/renew/renew_833.html. Be sure to follow the directions very carefully. Send the DS-82 form by mail. Include the application, your most recent passport, two identical passport photographs and a $75 fee payable to the US Department of State. Your previous passport will be returned with your new passport. Check out the website on where to mail the forms.4. When should I apply for my passport?
Please apply for a passport as soon as you can. Current processing time is now anywhere from 8-12 weeks or longer. We urge any student who needs to apply for or renew a passport do so IMMEDIATELY. Passport applications are available at the Richland Post Office, by the Federal Building. Visit http://travel.state.gov/passport for information about obtaining a US Passport.5. Is there a way to quickly process my passport?
Yes. If time is short, request expedited service for an additional fee. The processing time for expediting a passport application could be as long as 3 months. For more information about this service, visit the US State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html and select "Processing Time and Status Check" or consult your local passport-issuing agent.6. What do I need to get a passport?
You must submit the items listed below to the Richland Post Office, Benton County Courthouse, or Franklin County Courthouse or other authorized passport agent in person:- A Passport Application
- Proof of US Citizenship: Only one of the following items is required; Student ID cards are not accepted.
- Certified birth certificate from the state where you were born (it should include file date, original seal and signature from issuing office; a photocopy or hospital record is unacceptable.)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Expired US Passport
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certification of Birth, Certificate of Citizenship (for US citizens born abroad)
- Proof of Identity (one of these)
- Previous U.S. passport
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Current, valid driver's license
- Government ID: city, state or federal
- Military ID: military and dependent
- SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AS IDENTIFICATION
- Two identical 2"x2" passport photos: The photos must be front view and taken within the previous six months. Portrait photos are not acceptable.
- Payment of Passport Fee: You must pay both the application and execution fee as well as additional processing fees if applicable.
- Passport application fee: If you are applying for your passport for the first time and/or are over the age of 16, submit at $75* check or money order payable to US Department of State.
- Passport execution fee: Make a $25* check or money order payable to the issuing agency
- Additional processing fees (only if necessary): For expedited services only, submit a $60* check or money order payable to US Department of State. In addition, there is a $14.85* charge for return-postage paid overnight servicing.
- (* Prices are subject to change; visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html for the most up to date fee information.
What is a visa?
A visa is an endorsement by officials in a foreign country on a US passport that allows the bearer to visit that country. There are different types of visas: tourist, student or work.8. Do I need a visa?
Depending on the length of the stay and the country requirements, you may need to apply for a visa. Many students who study abroad need a visa that will allow them to study there. To find out the entry requirements for study in a specific country, check with the program you are going through, or the nearest Consulate. The US State Department website http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html has information about entry/exit requirements for various countries. Follow the link and select the country you are traveling to and click on entry/exit requirements.Consulate addresses are available at www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco. Keep in mind there may be an extra long processing time for many countries. Due to this fact, travel prior to the start of your program is discouraged. Your passport may be at hte consulate for the visa process right up to your departure date! Save your travels for the end of your experience abroad!
Education Abroad application deadlines
Fall Semester: April 1
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Term: April 1